It wasn’t supposed to be this easy. The Boston Celtics geared up for a match up with one of the Western Conference’s best, the Utah Jazz. Instead they got one of Utah’s worst efforts of the season and cruised to a 110-86 victory their 5th straight. The Utah Jazz leader and catalyst, Deron Williams, picked up two quick fouls and never got into the flow of the game. “I was ready to get out there and play today. If I could have just got a chance, maybe could have done something, but I didn’t have a rhythm early. Two quick fouls, two quick calls, I should say took me out of my game and I really couldn’t recover.” said Williams.

Williams was held to just 23 minutes and only managed to get up 4 shots. Former Celtic Al Jefferson was held to just 1-11 shooting but he and Williams were not alone in their futility as the the Jazz shot only 40% as a team. The Team Green defense suffocated Utah early and often and this game was never really in doubt despite Utah’s propensity for dramatic comebacks. On the flip side the Celtics were hot throughout finishing with 55% shooting behind Garnett’s 21pts, Pierce’s 20pts and Davis’s 15pts. Rajon Rondo (12assists) orchestrated the offense with little interference with Williams sidelined with early foul trouble.”We’re constantly making the extra pass & constantly moving the ball & when we do that we’re tough to beat. We’re doing little things.” said Pierce.

The real story behind this shockingly easy victory was the fact that Shaq left the game in the fist quarter and never returned with a hip injury. He has already been ruled out for the next game against the Washington Wizards. Semih Erden started the 2nd half in the “Diesel’s” absence and is the likely starter while team awaits the return of Kendrick Perkins. Erden responded tonight with a career high 14pts with 7rebs and 3stls. “It’s like a soap opera. You’ve got to be ready on this team. You never know who’s going to go down.” said Garnett. Another day, another injury. The Celtics should have t-shirts made up with that slogan. Hopefully the team can get by the Wizards and get Shaq back before they begin the dreaded West Coast trip next week.